Services on Heelr
vCISO services
Not every company needs a full-time chief information security officer, but most reach a point where security questions need someone senior to own them. Board conversations, customer trust, a security strategy that holds together, decisions that need judgement rather than a checklist. A virtual or fractional CISO gives you that seniority on a part-time basis, scaled to what you need.
Heelr connects you with experienced security leaders whose identity is verified and whose credentials are validated. They can represent your security posture to customers and boards, set direction, and steer the work without the cost of a permanent executive hire. You agree scope and price before anything begins.
What a vCISO does
A virtual or fractional CISO provides senior security leadership without a full-time appointment. The terms are used interchangeably in practice. Typical work includes setting security strategy, owning risk decisions, representing security in board and customer conversations, guiding compliance efforts, and giving your team a senior point of accountability. The engagement flexes from a few days a month to something closer to ongoing, depending on need.
Common questions
What is the difference between a virtual CISO and a fractional CISO?
In practice, very little. Both describe senior security leadership provided part-time rather than as a full-time hire. Different providers use different terms for the same role.
When does a company need a vCISO rather than a full-time CISO?
When you need senior security judgement but cannot justify, or do not yet need, a permanent executive. Growing companies often use a vCISO until the security workload genuinely requires a full-time leader.
What does a vCISO actually deliver?
It varies with your needs, but commonly: a security strategy, ownership of risk decisions, representation to boards and customers, and guidance for your team and your compliance work. You define the scope with the provider.
Can a vCISO help with certifications?
Yes. Many vCISOs oversee compliance programmes, though for the hands-on certification work you may also engage a specialist. See GRC & Compliance.